Ribbon Blender

Ribbon Blender Overview

The Ribbon Blender is a widely used horizontal mixing system engineered for homogeneous blending of dry powders, granules, and light pastes. It is designed with a U-shaped trough and a central shaft fitted with helical ribbons. The outer ribbon moves materials in one direction while the inner ribbon moves them in the opposite direction, creating a counter-current flow for consistent and fast blending.

Ideal for batch processing in food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agrochemicals, and nutraceuticals, the Ribbon Blender is known for its simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Working Principle

The mixing takes place through a combination of radial and axial movements generated by the inner and outer ribbons. The counter-directional flow pattern lifts, tumbles, and shears the material, achieving a uniform mix within short cycle times. The trough can be equipped with jackets for heating or cooling, and end discharge valves ensure easy emptying.

Key Features

  • Dual-directional ribbon design ensures high mixing efficiency
  • Suitable for powders, granules, and minor liquid additions
  • Uniform batch mixing in short cycles (3–10 minutes)
  • Low power consumption and easy maintenance
  • Jacketed models available for heating/cooling applications
  • Available in carbon steel, SS304, SS316, or GMP-compliant materials
  • Multiple discharge valve options (slide gate, butterfly, flush bottom)
  • Dust-tight and hygienic construction with optional CIP capability

Applications

  • Nutraceutical blends (protein powders, food premixes)
  • Dry pharmaceuticals (bulk drug powders, excipients)
  • Chemical formulations (detergents, pigments, polymers)
  • Agrochemicals (fertilizers, soil additives)
  • Bakery premixes and spice blends

Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification Range Remarks
Working Capacity 50 to 20,000 Liters Available in lab, pilot, and full production sizes
Mixing Time 3 – 10 minutes Depends on material type and blending precision
Ribbon Type Double-helical (inner and outer) Ensures counterflow and uniform distribution
Shaft Speed 20 – 60 RPM VFD-controlled speed
Material of Construction SS 304, SS 316, Carbon Steel, Hastelloy GMP and food-grade finishes available
Power Requirement 1.5 – 75 kW Depending on batch size and product type
Sealing System Lip seals / Mechanical seals / Stuffing box For dust-tight or hygienic operation
Discharge Valve Options Butterfly / Slide Gate / Knife Gate / Flush Valve Full batch discharge without residue
Heating/Cooling Jacket Optional – steam, water, or oil For temperature-sensitive formulations
Surface Finish Mirror polish / Matt / Electro-polished For food, pharma, or corrosive applications

Variants Available

  • Jacketed Ribbon Blender – For controlled temperature blending
  • Vacuum Ribbon Blender – For moisture removal or inert gas purging
  • GMP Pharma Model – Polished and sealed for pharma applications
  • Pilot-Scale Ribbon Blender – Compact version for R&D and testing
  • Explosion-Proof Ribbon Blender – ATEX certified for hazardous areas

Looking for efficient and uniform dry blending?

Choose PM Industries and Process Equipment’s Pvt. Ltd. Ribbon Blender for your powder and granule mixing operations. Custom-built for your process needs.